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A Kitty-Proof Home

Having a cat around the house is sort of like having a toddler. Both are very curious and like to explore their surroundings. As with a toddler, you’ll need to protect your cat from things that could potentially be dangerous to him. Start by taking a walk around your home and looking for things that could be harmful to your kitty. Even everyday items can dangerous. Put away sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and anything that he could choke on (buttons, coins, jewelry, paper clips, etc.). Check under the couch for small things that may have fallen under there that he could easily get a hold of.

Plants

Certain kinds of plants can be toxic to cats. Chewing on certain plants can lead to severe mouth, throat, or stomach irritation, or even death. The following are some plants that, if ingested, can kill your cat: azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter Lily, and yew plant. If your cat ingests a poisonous plant, call your veterinarian immediately.

Of course, there are many plants that are safe for cats to be around and even to eat. You need to make it clear to your cat from the start which plants are acceptable for him to chew on. Keeping certain plants out of his reach is the best deterrent, but you can also try giving him a quick squirt from a spray bottle if he’s nibbling on a plant that you’ve deemed off-limits.

Fire

Curling up in front of the fireplace with your cat and a good book probably sounds like the ultimate comfort situation for a cat lover. While this can be quite enjoyable if the right precautions are taken, it provides an easy opportunity for your cat to be burned. Just like humans, cats can get burned by the actual fire or by a flying spark. To keep your cat safe, never leave him unattended near a burning or smoldering fire. This also applies to lit candles, the stove, an iron, or a grill.

Keep in mind that cats are excellent jumpers. With a good leap, a cat may be able to access places that you would have assumed unreachable for him. Cats are also intelligent creatures and often good problem solvers, so don’t put it past your kitty to teach himself something like how to open a cabinet. Keeping these things in mind, take certain precautions that will keep you from spending so much time worrying about the safety of your cat, and give you more time to relax and enjoy time with your new pet.